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Germanos III of Old Patras | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

Germanos III of Old Patras raises the Independence banner. Painting by Ludovico Lipparini, Creative Commons.


In 1453, Constantinople fell. The Ottomans swiftly conquered most of Greece. A number of rebellions failed to ensure self-determination for Greece. This was a long-standing demand, as Greeks had revolted four times against the Byzantine Empire as well, seeing it as a continuation of the Roman occupation (it was only later that the Empire was Hellenized, finally stopping the revolts).

1821 saw the start of the rebellion that led to the modern Greek state. The date most people have associated with it is March 25th, to coincide with the Feast of the Annunciation, when Bishop Germanos III raised the revolutionary banner in Patras.

The Feast of the Annunciation


Annunciation (1475–1480), Uffizi, is thought to be Leonardo da Vinci’s earliest complete work. Creative Commons.

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the twelve “Great Feasts” of the liturgical year, and is among the eight of them that are counted as “feasts of the Lord”. It is celebrated by the Greek Church, along with Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The traditional hymn (Troparion) for the feast of the Annunciation goes back to St Athanasius. It runs:

Today is the beginning of our salvation,
And the revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:

The video below is of a similarly themed hymn, traditionally chanted on the Fridays leading to Easter:

As the action initiating the Incarnation of Christ, Annunciation has such an important place in Orthodox Christian theology that the festal Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is always celebrated on the feast, even if it falls on Great and Holy Friday, the day when the crucifixion of Jesus is remembered. If the Annunciation falls on Easter Sunday itself, then it is celebrated jointly with the Resurrection.

Something smells fishy


Image: Pixabay

Despite the fact that it usually falls smack in the middle of Lent (Sarakosti), the 40-day fasting period leading to Easter, the traditional Annunciation dish is fried cod, served with a garlic-based dip.

This tradition dates back to the 15th century, when salted cod was introduced to Greece, solving a practical problem: yes, the Church allowed fish to be consumed on the Annunciation. However, fresh fish could be hard to get unless you lived by the sea. Mountainous regions, in particular, had virtually no access to it.

The introduction of salted cod allowed fish to be transferred anywhere, no matter how far from the sea, and pretty soon everyone was having it for the Annunciation feast–especially given its low price. Thus, a tradition was born.

So, next time you find yourself in Greece on March 25th, get ready for a lot of parades… and plenty of garlic breath!